Father of toddler murdered with an airgun feels his family's nine-year wait for stricter laws on the weapons is almost over

THE father of a toddler murdered with an airgun said his family feels their nine-year wait for stricter laws on the weapons is almost over.

Andy Morton, 39, has campaigned for a ban on air weapons after his two-year-old Andrew was murdered by an air rifle-wielding thug in 2005.

But last month Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill announced plans for a “robust” airgun licensing scheme.

And today he said he still remains “absolutely committed” to enforcing the clampdown.

Andy told the Record he is backing MacAskill’s plans and said the family feels like they have finally been listened to.

He said: “I’m happy they are actually doing something. We have been told for years that this is happening or that is happening.

“But Kenny MacAskill is the only who has actually kept his word by saying he is bringing in a licensing system.”

Little Andrew died after he was shot in the head in Easterhouse, Glasgow, by drug addict Mark Bonini.

The tot had been in the street with big brother Brian, then aged 13, watching fire engines when Bonini shot him from a first-floor flat window.

Andrew died in hospital two days later. Bonini was jailed for life for his murder and ordered to serve at least 13 years.

Last month, MacAskill met with Andrew’s mother Sharon McMillan as details of the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Bill were published at Holyrood.

He described the family’s “continued pain” and said Andrew’s death makes him “even more determined to ensure we have robust legislation to prevent future tragedies”.

There is currently no requirement to have any form of licence for an air gun but the new laws aim to create a tough licensing scheme, similar to existing firearms legislation.

The scheme would not ban air guns but “ensure they are used for legitimate reasons by responsible people”.

Yesterday, forklift operator Andy told the Record: “We have never been against gun clubs or farmers. But the next best thing would be to get airgun licences.

“I think it has been a long time coming. It will be 10 years next March since wee lost the wee one.

“I do feel that we have been listened to. If the laws are passed, first of all it will be a big celebration for the family and everyone we know.

“It will be a lot more settling for us. We have fought for something in the wee man’s name and it is going to prevent other people’s sons from dying in the same way.”

During a visit to an animal care centre yesterday, MacAskill underlined his commitment to enforcing a licence system.

The Justice Minister met pet owners and staff at the Scottish SPCA’s centre in Edinburgh who have seen animals seriously maimed and killed in air weapon attacks.

He said: “Today I have seen the suffering and distress misuse of these guns can cause to animals and the owners who care for them.

“This underlines the simple truth that far from being harmless toys, these are potentially lethal weapons with the capacity to maim and kill.

“We remain absolutely committed to a licensing scheme which is practical and sensible and will ensure that those who wish to use air guns responsibly for sports, target shooting and pest control can continue to do so.

“At the same time it will go a long way towards protecting the public, pets and wildlife from such painful and pointless tragedies caused by the irresponsible misuse of these firearms.”

Regulation of air guns will apply to anyone who currently owns an air weapon and wants to keep hold of it, as well as people buying an air gun and anyone who wants to bring one into Scotland.

The Scottish Government said that before the new regime comes into effect, there will be a period when people can hand in unwanted air weapons to police.